Dununs or Dunduns (djun djun or jun jun is a common mispronunciation) are a family of three cylindrically shaped drums with cow skin affixed to both sides (double-headed) which provide the rhythmic and melodic base to the djembe orchestra. They are a rope-tunable drum and are traditionally played horizontally with two sticks and a bell mounted on top. They vary in size, and can be made from hollowed logs or even oilcans.

Both dununs and the djembe or yembe (sanbanyi in Susu) trace their heritage back to the caste of blacksmiths the inhabited the Mali empire by at least the 12th century. This region of West Africa includes all or portions the present day countries of Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. These are the only countries in which djembes and dununs are indigenous to. Dununs are said to have developed simultaneously with the djembe and at least one is present anytime the djembe is played in these traditional ethnic groups.

Play Song

The three dununs, from largest to smallest, are called: Dunumba, Sangban, and Kenkeni and each have specific roles in the music and dance of the djembe orchestra and play different parts for each rhythm. In some regions of all three drums are placed horizontally and played by striking the drum with a stick in one hand and hitting a bell, called kenken, with a piece of metal in the other. In some regions, only one or two dununs are present. You will often see all three dununs now tied together, placed vertically, and played by one person with two sticks. This new style emanates from the National Ballets of Guinea (Ballet Djoliba and Ballets Africains) and is now popular throughout the country when paying three artists to play dununs is out of the question!

Some drums are quite complex in their making, but many others are simple especially if you use an alternative for animal hides. Some materials such as rubber, vinyls and canvas can be used and are readily available.

Some cardboard cylindrical containers are available that would make a nice djun djun. They are approximately 800mm high and 500mm in diameter and are used for seed storage etc. I have seen bigger ones for superphosphate, and presume there are many sizes available. These are good, as they are strong and light.

You will need to cut the base out and then cut some heavy canvas to size for the drumheads. Put eyelets around each of the heads and then string them together. Remember to use a non-stretch rope for this or otherwise you will be tightening the heads for a while. You should be able to find a book on how to string drumheads if needed or otherwise just give it a go.

Djun Djun Bells